Reusable expandable bag

ABSTRACT

The present application describes an expandable bag. The expandable bag is comprised of a frame comprising a first inner wire loop and a second inner wire loop. When the expandable bag is an open state, the inner wire loops of the frame are biased away from one another. When the expandable bag is in a closed state, the inner wire loops of the frame are proximate to one another. In a closed state, the frame of the expandable bag can be twisted and then folded into a secure compressed state.

As individuals and retailers have become more environmentally conscious, the use of disposable bags has been reduced or completely eliminated. Instead, many retailers are encouraging, or requiring, patrons to utilize re-usable bags or patrons themselves are being proactive. Many reusable bags are bulky and unfit for easy storage in a purse, briefcase, etc. Without a reusable bag on hand, patrons often resort to use of disposable bags out of pure necessity. Alternatively, if a reusable bag is easily incorporated into a purse, briefcase, etc., it is often too small and use of a supplemental disposable bag is once again required.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the technology relates to an expandable bag comprising frame comprising of a first inner wire loop and a second inner wire loop, wherein the first inner wire loop and the second inner wire loop define two planes that intersect at two intersection interfaces. The expandable bag further comprises an outer material, comprising a front panel, a back panel, and a bottom panel. The expandable bag further comprises a seam material, wherein the seam material covers the first inner wire loop and the second inner wire loop of the frame. The expandable bag further comprises two securement mechanisms, wherein each securement mechanism binds the intersection interfaces of the frame.

In another aspect, the technology relates to a method of compressing an expandable bag including a frame consisting of two intersecting inner wire loops. The method comprises closing the expandable bag, such that the two inner wire loops are flattened on top of one another, and such that the closed expandable bag has a first circumference. The method further comprises twisting the expandable bag approximately one hundred and eighty degrees. The method further comprises folding the expandable bag into a compressed bag, such that the folded expandable bag has a third circumference. The method further comprises securing the compressed bag.

In yet another aspect, the technology relates to an expandable bag including a frame comprising two intersecting wire loops, wherein the expandable bag is defined by two states. One of the states is an open state, wherein when the expandable bag is in the open state, a portion of a first inner wire loop is biased away from a portion of a second inner wire loop. Another of the states is a closed state, wherein when the expandable bag is in the closed state, the first inner wire loop is located proximate to the second inner wire loop.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a front view of an expandable bag.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the expandable bag of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the frame of the expandable bag of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 a-4 d depicts a method of compressing the expandable bag of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 a-5 d depicts the method of FIG. 4 a-4 d with the outer material of the bag removed, for clarity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 depicts a front view of an expandable bag 100, when the expandable bag is closed. The expandable bag 100 includes a frame that consists of two frame members. The two frame members, a first inner wire loop and a second inner wire loop, intersect at two intersection interfaces I, as will be discussed in further detail herein. The frame is covered with outer material 102 to form three panels, a front panel 116, a back panel, and a bottom panel. Each of the three panels is adjacent to the other two. For example, the front panel 116 is adjacent to the back panel and bottom panel, the back panel is adjacent to the front panel 116 and the bottom panel, and the bottom panel is adjacent to the front panel 116 and the back panel.

When closed, the frame of the expandable bag 100 has a first circumference, equal to the circumference of the first inner wire loop or the second inner wire loop.

The frame of the expandable bag 100 may be covered with a seam material 104 that joins adjacent panels and encloses the frame members. The seam material 104 may secure adjacent panels of the outer material 102 of the expandable bag 100. In another embodiment, the seam material 104 may be integral with the outer material 102 of the expandable bag 100. In yet another embodiment, the frame is exposed and not covered by any seam material.

The front panel 116 and back panel of the expandable bag 100 may further include cut-outs that form a handle 106 on the front panel 116 and a handle on the back panel. The frame members have flexibility, such that front panel 116 and the back panel may be brought together when held by handle the 106. Handle 106 may be flanked by one or more fasteners 112 a and 112 b. As depicted in FIG. 1, fasteners 112 a and 112 b engage with the mating fasteners on the back panel to secure the bag in a closed state. The expandable bag 100 may include additional fasteners, including but not limited to fasteners on the bottom panel used to, connect the front panel 116 and back panel to the bottom panel. The fasteners 112 secure the expandable bag 100 when closed. Fasteners 112 a and 112 b may be buttons, snaps, hoop and loop fasteners (i.e., VELCRO®), magnets, etc. The expandable bag 100 may further include one or more attachment mechanisms 108 a and 108 b. Attachment mechanisms 108 a and 108 b may include a clasps, hooks, clips, etc. that may be removably attached to a hook, loop, ring, etc. on the expandable bag 100. The attachment mechanisms 108 a and 108 b are used to attach any number of accessories to the expandable bag 100, such as strap 120. When not in use, the strap 120 may be removed or stored inside the expandable bag 100. Non-removable attachment mechanisms 108 a and 108 b such as stitching may also be utilized, so as to permanently secure the strap 120 to the attachment mechanisms 108 a and 108 b.

The expandable bag 100 may further include securement mechanisms 114 a and 114 b. Securement mechanism 114 a may be connected to, or associated with, attachment mechanism 108 a. Likewise, securement mechanism 114 b may be connected to, or associated with, attachment mechanism 108 b. The securement mechanisms 114 a and 114 b bind the inner wire loops together at intersection interface I. The securement mechanisms 114 a and 114 b may also secure a loop or ring of attachment mechanisms 108 a and 108 b to the expandable bag 100. The securement mechanisms 114 a and 114 b may be constructed of any material, including fabric, plastic, metal, etc.

The expandable bag 100 may further include retainer strap 118. Retainer strap 118 may be secured to the outside or the inside of expandable bag 100, either permanently or removably. As will be discussed in further detail below with reference to FIG. 4 a-d, retainer strap may be used to secure expandable bag 100 in a compressed position.

FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the expandable bag of FIG. 1 in an open state. The outer material 102 includes three panels: a front panel 116, a back panel 202, and a bottom panel 204. The bottom panel 204 spans the bottom portion of the first inner wire loop and the second inner wire loop of the frame below intersection interface I. The front panel 116 spans the bottom portion of the first inner wire loop, below intersection interface I, and the top portion of the second inner wire loop, above intersection interface I. The back panel 202 spans the bottom portion of the second inner wire loop, below intersection interface I, and the top portion of the first inner wire loop, above intersection interface I. When the bag is opened, the outer material 102 is pulled taut, or partially taut, when the bag is open, expanding bottom panel 204 and providing the expandable bag 100 with both shape and volume.

When the expandable bag 100 is closed, as discussed with reference to FIG. 1, the fasteners 112 a and 112 b hold the expandable bag 100 closed. When the fasteners 112 a and 112 b are disengaged, the expandable bag 100 expands open, as depicted with reference to FIG. 2. Expansion of the expandable bag 100 causes the top portions of the two frame members to separate. Similarly, the bottom portions of the two frame members separate until the bottom panel 204 between them is pulled taut.

When the expandable bag 100 is open, the frame members form a crisscross or X-shaped pattern, with securement mechanism 114 a providing support at intersection interface I. The crisscross pattern created by the frame members form an angle a between the upper portion of the first inner wire loop and the upper portion of the second inner wire loop, wherein α is less than one hundred and eighty degrees. As can appreciated from FIG. 2, when open, the expandable bag 100 separates to accommodates the insertion of various objects.

FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the frame 300 of the expandable bag of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 depicts two inner wire loops, first inner wire loop 302 and second inner wire loop 304. Each of the inner wire loops defines a plane. The two planes intersect at intersection interfaces I that define an Axis. The intersection interfaces I also define the boundary between the upper portion and lower portion of each inner wire loop. For example, the upper portion 304 a of first inner wire loop 304 and the upper portion 302 a of second inner wire loop 302 are above intersection interfaces I. The lower portion 304 b of first inner wire loop 304 and the lower portion 302 b of second inner wire loop 302 are below intersection interfaces I.

First inner wire loop 302 and second inner wire loop 304 are secured by securement mechanism as described with respect to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. By stabilizing the first wire loop 302 and the second wire loop 304 with the securement mechanism when the frame is open state as depicted in FIG. 3, the frame is biased into an open state by the securement mechanisms. Specifically, the first inner wire 302 is biased away from the corresponding portion of the second inner wire 304 in the open state. When in a closed state, the first inner wire 302 is located proximate to the second inner wire 304. As the frame is biased into an open state, the inner wire loops need to be fastened to keep the expandable bag closed. When the fasteners are disengaged, the frame expands as the bias pulls the frame 300 open.

FIG. 4 a-d depicts a method of compressing the expandable bag. As will be appreciated, these steps are for illustrative purposes. Other methods of folding or otherwise compressing the expandable bag are contemplated within the scope of the present technology. Circumferences, as discussed herein, are depicted and further detailed with respect to FIG. 5 a-d.

In FIG. 4 a, the fasteners may be engaged to secure the bag in a closed state. Here, the strap is located inside the expandable bag. When closed, the expandable bag has a first circumference, as discussed with respect to FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 b depicts the operation of achieving a first twisted position. Here, the expandable bag is grasped from either end, such as at the handle and the bottom as depicted. The expandable bag is then twisted roughly one hundred and eighty degrees such that a figure eight is formed. Each half of the figure eight has a second circumference, wherein the second circumference is approximately one half the first circumference.

FIG. 4 c depicts the operation of achieving a first folded position. To achieve a first folded the position; the two halves of the figure eight formed in FIG. 4 b are folded on top of one another. If the expandable bag arrives at the first twisted position by twisting the expandable bag towards the individual who is twisting, a first folded position is achieved by inserting the right half of the figure eight in between the left portion of the figure eight. Conversely, if the expandable bag arrives at the first twisted position by twisting the expandable bag away from the individual who is twisting, a first folded position is achieved by inserting the left half of the figure eight in between the right portion of the figure eight. A retainer strap extends from a side of the expandable bag such that it is accessible in the first folded position.

FIG. 4 d depicts the operation of achieving a secure compressed position. In the compressed position, the circumference of the expandable bag is roughly less than one half of the first circumference. When the expandable bag is in the first folded position, as depicted in FIG. 4 c, it may be secured by retainer strap. By securing the expandable bag with the retainer strap, the expandable bag remains in the compressed position. The expandable bag may then be transported or stored in an efficient and easy manner.

FIG. 5 a-5 d depicts steps the method of FIG. 4 a-4 d with the outer material of the bag removed, for clarity. As will be appreciated, these steps are for illustrative purposes. Other methods of folding or otherwise compressing the expandable bag are contemplated within the scope of the present technology.

In FIG. 5 a, the first inner wire loop and the second inner wire loop are stacked on top of one another. When closed, the expandable bag has a first circumference C1, as discussed with respect to FIG. 1. As may be appreciated, first circumference C1 is the circumference of the first inner wire loop or the circumference of the second inner wire loop.

FIG. 5 b depicts the operation of achieving a first twisted position. Here, the frame of the expandable bag is grasped from either end. The frame of the expandable bag is then twisted roughly one hundred and eighty degrees such that a figure eight is formed. Each half of the figure eight has a second circumference C2, wherein the second circumference C2 is approximately one half the first circumference.

FIG. 5 c depicts the operation of achieving a first folded position. To achieve a first folded the position; the two halves of the figure eight formed in FIG. 5 b are folded on top of one another. If the expandable bag arrives at the first twisted position by twisting the expandable bag towards the individual who is twisting, a first folded position is achieved by inserting the right half of the figure eight in between the left portion of the figure eight. Conversely, if the expandable bag arrives at the first twisted position by twisting the expandable bag away from the individual who is twisting, a first folded position is achieved by inserting the left half of the figure eight in between the right portion of the figure eight.

FIG. 5 d depicts the operation of achieving a secure compressed position. The expandable bag in the compressed position has a third circumference. The third circumference C3 of the expandable bag is less than one half of the first circumference C1.

Various components of the expandable bag have been discussed with regard to the present technology. These various components may be comprised of one or more materials. For example, outer material and/or seam material may be nylon, canvas, Gore-Tex®, denim, fleece, or any other fabric suitable for covering the frame of the expandable bag. Moreover, the outer material and/or seam material may be waterproof. The outer material and seam material may be composed of the same or different fabrics. The frame of the expandable bag, including the inner wire loops, and the securement mechanisms may composed of any resilient or flexible metals, plastics, fibers, or other material that have a shape memory.

While there have been described herein what are to be considered exemplary and preferred embodiments of the present technology, other modifications of the technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the teachings herein. The particular methods of manufacture and geometries disclosed herein are exemplary in nature and are not to be considered limiting. It is therefore desired to be secured in the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the spirit and scope of the technology. 

Accordingly, what is desired to be secured by Letters Patent is the technology as defined and differentiated in the following claims, and all equivalents:
 1. An expandable bag comprising: a frame comprising of a first inner wire loop and a second inner wire loop, wherein the first inner wire loop and the second inner wire loop define two planes that intersect at two intersection interfaces; an outer material, comprising a front panel, a back panel, and a bottom panel; a seam material, wherein the seam material covers the first inner wire loop and the second inner wire loop of the frame; and two securement mechanisms, wherein each securement mechanism binds the intersection interfaces of the frame.
 2. The expandable bag of claim 1, wherein the outer material defines at least one handle above the two intersection interfaces.
 3. The expandable bag of claim 1, wherein one or more fasteners are affixed to the outer material above the two intersection interfaces.
 4. The expandable bag of claim 1, wherein the first inner wire loop and the second inner wire loop each comprise a top portion and a bottom portion.
 5. The expandable bag of claim 4, wherein the top portion of the first inner wire loop and the top portion of the second inner wire loop is located above the two intersection interfaces.
 6. The expandable bag of claim 5, wherein the bottom portion of the first inner wire loop and the bottom portion of the second inner loop is below the two intersection interfaces.
 7. The expandable bag of claim 6, wherein the front panel spans the bottom portion of the first inner wire loop and the top portion of the second inner wire loop.
 8. The expandable bag of claim 6, wherein the back panel spans the bottom portion of the second inner wire loop and the top portion of the first inner wire loop.
 9. The expandable bag of claim 6, wherein the bottom panel spans the bottom portion of the second inner wire loop and the bottom portion of the first inner wire loop.
 10. The expandable bag of claim 1, further comprising two attachment mechanisms, each attachment mechanism affixed to one of the two securement mechanisms.
 11. The expandable bag of claim 1, further comprising a strap, wherein the strap is attached to each of the attachment mechanisms.
 12. The expandable bag of claim 7, wherein the strap is removable from at least one of the attachment mechanisms.
 13. The expandable bag of claim 1, wherein the outer material is discrete from the seam material.
 14. A method of compressing an expandable bag including a frame consisting of two intersecting inner wire loops, the method comprising: closing the expandable bag, such that the two inner wire loops are flattened on top of one another, and such that the closed expandable bag has a first circumference; twisting the expandable bag approximately one hundred and eighty degrees; folding the expandable bag into a compressed bag, such that the folded expandable bag has a third circumference; and securing the compressed bag.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the third circumference is less than about one half the first circumference.
 16. The method of claim 15, wherein twisting the expandable bag forms a figure with two halves, each half with a second circumference, wherein the second circumference is about one half the first circumference.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein folding the expandable bag further comprises inserting one half of the figure eight into the other half of the figure eight.
 18. The method of claim 14, wherein securing further comprises securing the compressed bag with a retainer strap.
 19. An expandable bag including a frame comprising two intersecting wire loops, wherein the expandable bag is defined by two states comprising: an open state, wherein when the expandable bag is in the open state, a portion of a first inner wire loop is biased away from a portion of a second inner wire loop; and a closed state, wherein when the expandable bag is in the closed state, the first inner wire loop is located proximate to the second inner wire loop.
 20. The expandable bag of claim 19, further comprising at least one securement mechanism, wherein the at least one securement mechanism biases the expandable bag into the open state. 